The Ferguson Decision: Fight for Humanity

Recently, the St. Louis County grand jury decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of Michael Brown Jr. This controversial verdict has resulted in demonstrations and protests around the nation. Unfortunately, we will never truly know exactly what transpired that day because accounts are conflicting, but we can work together to honor the family's wishes, as the Brown family has requested that the legacy of Michael Brown Jr. should be instead of striving to make a lot of noise, we strive to make a difference. Currently, a lot of noise is being made, but how do we actually make a difference out of this situation?

In 2013, Police Foundation Executive Fellow, Chief Tony Farrar, conducted a yearlong experiment with officers using wearable cameras while on duty. The results found more than a 50% reduction in the total number of incidents of use-of-force compared to control-conditions, and nearly ten times more citizens’ complaints in the 12-months prior to the experiment (Source: NYTimes). So, why did this successful experiment result in no further action taken? This is question we need to ask our current administration.

If you are feeling intimidated or unprepared to take on the task of convincing our legislators to enact changes in our current systems, then there is help found at the East Point Peace Academy. The East Point Peace Academy works to empower communities by helping to nurture the skills and the inspiration to be the agents for change (Source: EastPointPeace.org). Every voice has the power to change history, as it was Gandhi that said, "A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history."

The mantra of Black Lives Matter has risen out of the Ferguson Decision, but we challenge everyone to take that a step further - All Lives Matter. As a whole, we are all members of humanity, and we must all work together to support and protect one another, regardless of our race or ethnicity. We need to fight for humanity as a whole and work together to create real changes within our justice system through our elected legislators. The demonstrations and protests will dominate the mainstream media, but the real change will occur through organizations like the East Point Peace Academy. When we realize the Ferguson Decision affects everyone's rights (or lack thereof) and take action to change this, it will not only make a difference right now, but it will also change the course of history forever. It begins with each and every one of us using our voice to stand up and speak out about a needed change to keep our government, law enforcement, and legislators accountable for any actions taken.

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty." - GandhiPhoto: People raise their hands in the middle of the street as police wearing riot gear move toward their position trying to get them to disperse, Aug. 11, 2014, in Ferguson, Mo. (Jeff Roberson/AP Photo)

Extremely thought provoking article, but does it stop there? There is no way we can progress and move forward if we don’t work together in peace and love. Its a very tall order to fill, but with people like MLK, Gandhi, Mother Theresa and countless others who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others and fight for equality, why can’t we do the same? When can we heal from these tragic events?

Looting and killing other policemen is NOT the answer. Not all cops are bad, and not all black men are criminals. As far as we’ve come to the point we have a black man in the white house, there is still a thick cloud of hatred and racism that permeates throughout our country. People are angry, fed up, disappointed and scared! We may never know what really transpired with Officer Wilson and Mike Brown that led to the horrible conclusion that it did. Was race an issue? Did the cop exert his authority a little too much or was he defending himself? Regardless of what those answers are, there is a lot of hurt, anger and disappointment that requires a lot of healing.

As an educated and successful woman of west-indian parents, my culture and upbringing is different from black people who’s parents are from the U.S. My parents never experienced segregation nor did they understand the meaning behind sitting at the back of the bus or why there are separate restrooms. They were never raised with those barriers. As a result my upbringing is one of a wordly nature where speaking a multitude of languages and embracing different cultures is the norm. It didn’t matter if the color of my skin was darker, or some cases, paler than others, what mattered was to love one another as I love myself, and treat everyone with respect. It makes me wonder some of the perspectives I’ve read or witnessed when it comes to discussing race relations. It is a very complex situation with a varying of opinions. To me the only thing I’ll agree with, when it comes to treating people, is this…love, respect and be fair with one another. Treat people the way you want to be treated. As Jesus said, love one another. Sounds simple and doable, right?

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